Learning more about Predictive DRS

Predictive DRS is a new feature in vSphere 6.5 that leverages the predictive analytics of vRealize Operations Manager with the powerful resource scheduler algorithm of vSphere DRS. Together, these two products enable workload balancing for certain VMs before resource utilization spikes occur, potentially eliminating a great amount of resource contention that might have occurred in the past.

vRealize Operations Manager runs its dynamic thresholds algorithm nightly against the VMs on which it collects data. These dynamic thresholds create forecasted metrics for the future utilization of the VMs. The metrics are then passed to vSphere DRS to determine the best placement and balance of VMs before resource utilization spikes occur. Predictive DRS helps prevent resource contention on hosts that run VMs with predictable utilization patterns.

Here are a few resources to help you learn more about this exciting new technology.

Study an experimental scenario from a DRS performance white paper in which Predictive DRS was able to successfully avoid a host overload situation by pre-emptively migrating virtual machines before their load spiked.